Homeopathic Remedies

In previous surgeries, I've used homeopathic remedies with success in terms of minimal bruising and scarring.  These will be self administered (and I need to find a pill case for them!).

I am using the following: 

Healing and recovering

Arnica 200C- better known as a homeopathic remedy for bruising, Arnica is also excellent for shocks, and can help reduce bruising and trauma that goes with deep surgery. It can also aid in preventing or reducing blood clots post surgery and help reduce soreness and reduce swelling.

Calendula 200C- known in homeopathy as the magic healer and a great homeopathic antiseptic. It keeps wounds infection and germ free when taken internally and helps wounds heal.

Hypericum 200C- known in homeopathy as another great healer with affinity for nerves, Hypericum can be used to help reduce pain after surgery and nerves to heal after being severed. A great antiviral together with calendula they help keep woulds infection free.

2 pills as soon as you are able to after surgery- take unto 6 times a day to speed up healing and help reduce risk on infection.

Scarring

Naturally one of the main side effects of surgery is scarring and there are homeopathic remedies available to help reduce and minimize scarring. The main ones are:

Silicea 30c- Silicea is a homeopathic remedy traditionally used to help reduce the appearance of keloid scars and even help prevent their formation.

Thiosinaminum 30c- A homeopathic remedy known for its ability to dissolve scar tissue.

Graphites 30c- A great skin remedy. In scarring it helps reduce scarring even old scars.

Calc Fluor 30c- Calc Flour helps keep the skin elastic and has an affinity to connective tissue.

Two pills three times a day as soon after surgery as you can. Take along with Arnica/Hypericum/ Calendula.

I was also going to use Bromelain but because it has a tendency to thin blood and I will be on Coumadin for 6 weeks post surgery, I am not using it. 

The normal post op "blood thinner" is Aspirin, twice a day.  So why Coumadin for me?  I have received bio-identical hormone replacement for several years now in the form of Sottopelle. While the amount of estrogen/estradial I receive is minimal, it was enough for concern by my surgeon in terms of blood thickening and thereby increasing the chance for blood clots, and because they are implanted, I can't stop taking it. So Coumadin is his choice. 

I started the Arnica and extra Vitamin C yesterday (every 12 hours).

Please keep in mind that I am not dispensing any medical advice and if you are considering using homeopathic remedies, please do your own research and at your own risk. You may also consult a homeopath for advice.

72 hours from now...

...I will likely be in surgery.

I had initially planned to document my whole journey from paperwork to...whenever, but decided that who cared about paperwork?  People anticipating this surgery want to know how others feel, and what they are going through. So be it. Let if suffice to say that my company IS switching insurances one week after my surgery, and that I had to jump through a couple of hoops, and it was VERY stressful but it seems to have all worked out.

Am I nervous? Sort of...I'm more "emotional".  For example, we went out to dinner with my fiance's family tonight.  As we were leaving, his brother gathered everyone together and led everyone in prayer.  I was moved to tears.  It isn't the first time I have cried in the last week...there was a meltdown on Thursday.  A few days ago,, I  envisioned myself being able to dance in a few weeks, and I cried while singing along to "Happy" by Pharrell...lol.

I haven't slept well and so took an Ambien last night, and feel much better today.  However, the mini spa day yesterday likely helped immensely (a facial and massage).

I have made it a point to clear my desk of all paperwork and filing.

There are crockpot meal ingredients bagged and ready to go in the crockpot in the freezer, frozen chili, and a couple soups.  I plan on another prepping/freezing a bit more in the next couple of days...just maybe a soup or two but am not going to stress myself.

Up until a couple of weeks ago, I was working with a personal trainer on strengthening my muscles
around my knees and upper body.  A family emergency took us to California the week before last and this past week has been catch up.  I won't get there again before surgery.

I will be using some homeopathic remedies pre and post surgery starting Sunday.  I'll make a separate post in case anyone is interested.  I have used them for previous surgeries and found them helpful.

So for those considering any orthopedic surgery, planning and preparation is crucial. The less you have to worry about post surgery, the more you will be able to focus on your healing.